converting text file to a cmd file

no.4 · 04-10-2008, 11:34 AM

I realize I should know this. What do I do next when I have created a text file called ngstart.cmd which has the following command in it: sudo /etc/init.d/nagios start. It seems I recall you have to do something with the file to make it execute when it is typed in at the prompt.

Thanks in advance,
Marty

colucix · 04-10-2008, 11:41 AM

In order to be executed a file should have the executable bit set, at least for the file owner, like this

Code:

-rwxr--r-- 1 colucix users 170345 Apr 10 18:25 ngstart.cmd

Then you can put your script in a directory which is in your PATH. In this way you can run it typing its name only. Otherwise you have to type its relative or absolute path, as in:

Code:

./ngstart.cmd
../../some/dir/ngstart.cmd
/home/colucix/ngstart.cmd

dkm999 · 04-10-2008, 11:42 AM

You are correct; you should know this, but since command lines in all flavors of UN*X are best described as "wild conventions flying in loose formation", your memory lapse is hereby absolved:

Code:

 #chmod ug+x ngstart.cmd

druuna · 04-10-2008, 11:45 AM

Hi,

You can execute the file by doing the following:

sh file

Or parse the file by doing:

. file

If you want to make it an actual shell script, add a hash-bang and give it the proper execution rights:

Add a hash-bang: #!/bin/bash Should be the first line of the script/file.
Change permissions: chmod 750 file

You can now execute it as follows:

./file

If the directory that the file is in is part of your PATH, you don't even need the ./

Hope this clears things up.